Moldovan president, veterans won't go to Moscow for 70th anniversary of end of WWII

CHISINAU, Moldova – Moldova's president will not take part in a military parade in Moscow to celebrate the end of World War II, a sign of tensions with Russia.

Vlad Turcanu, spokesman for President Nicolae Timofti, said Wednesday neither the Moldovan leader nor veterans would travel to Moscow on May 9 for the event. Turcanu said Timofti would mark the anniversary with veterans in Chisinau.

In 2013, Timofti said Moldova would not use a Russian medal for the 70th anniversary featuring a sickle and hammer, due to the political connotations. He said Chisinau would manufacture its own medals.

Moldovan authorities have recently expressed concern that Russia is attempting to destabilize the country of 4 million. Moscow opposes Moldova's efforts to join the European Union.